i think you can bet that david will ask him all about the fiscal cliff talks. that is on "meet the press." >>> and what became of john boehner because not long ago he was the leader of a powerful leader of the house, but now he can't get his caucus to vote on the much approved plan b, and he is on the sidelines watching the fiscal cliff with the rest of us. this is "hardball." [ mother ] you can't leave the table till you finish your vegetables. [ clock ticking ] [ male announcer ] there's a better way... v8 v-fusion. vegetable nutrition they need, fruit taste they love. could've had a v8. or...try kids boxes! >>> welcome back to "hardball." the president has made clear he wants a deal, but just how will a deal get done? joining me now from the hill is nbc's kelly o'donnell. kelly, i have heard a lot today about the house bill going to one, to the senate and getting amended, and is this some kind of smoke screen for the house republicans or some kind of legislative need to use the vehicle that has already been passed? >> well, at the risk of this being the eyes